eGDCAnnual retention fee
The annual retention fee (ARF) is the fee all registered dentists and dental care professionals must pay each year to remain on the register and practise in the UK.
The deadline for dental care professionals to pay is 31 July, while the deadline for dentists to pay is 31 December. You will receive a letter ahead of the deadline with information about how you can make the payment. Please check that your registered details are up to date on your eGDC account.
You must pay the fee each year, even if you have no direct contact with patients. It is your responsibility to pay your fee on time. If you miss the payment deadline, your name may be removed from the register and, if you are not registered, you will not be able to practise in the UK. A list of those who have been removed from the register will be circulated to the NHS to enable them to keep their records up to date.
As part of the renewal process, you must also update your CPD hours within eGDC and declare that you have indemnity cover in place (or will have when you start to practise).
If you do not wish to renew your registration, you can tick the relevant box in your eGDC account during the annual renewal period. Read leaving the register for more information.
Payment methods
You can pay your ARF by:
- Card online at eGDC (we do not accept American Express or Diners Club International)
- Annual Direct Debit
- Pay by instalments Direct Debit
Cost of ARF
See below for how much you must pay each year (if you have not yet registered with the GDC, you will pay a pro rata fee). There is no reduction if you work part time, or plan to work only part of the year. Once you have paid, you will receive a receipt in your eGDC account.
| Profession | Retention period | Amount | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dentist | 1 January-31 December | £621 | 31 December |
| Dental care professional | 1 August-31 July | £96 | 31 July |
| Specialist (per speciality) | 1 January-31 July | £72 | 31 December |
Annual practising certificate
Once you have paid the annual retention fee and declared your indemnity, you can download a copy of your annual practising certificate from your eGDC account (from 1 August for DCPs, from 1 January for dentists). Alternatively, you can ask us to post you a copy.
If you have not received your certificate six weeks after your payment has been processed, then please contact us here or call 020 7167 6000.